Howdy again, friends, family, fiends, foes, and all you funky folks!

Your pal Dean here with yet another chapter in the seemingly never-ending story that is the “Damn I’m Fat Again” series. This time, it’s installment #11, and boy, do I have some very good updates for you!

So, as some of you might remember, I kicked off this journey at a whopping 252 lbs., my doctor told me I had just tipped the scale to “Morbidly Obese” and it’s been a real mother ever since. But today, I’ve got some good news to share. Drumroll, please… I’m down to 225 lbs.! That’s right, I’ve shed off a solid chunk of weight, and it feels absolutely great, but not without it’s ard work and problems.

Now, before we pop the champagne and start celebrating, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of it all — counting those damned calories, no matter how wrong they may seem. It’s been the backbone of my weight loss journey, and honestly, it’s a love-hate relationship. Let’s see a bit of that struggle, shall we?

The Calorie Counting Conundrum

Counting calories is like keeping a financial ledger/budget for your stomach. You’ve got a certain amount to ‘spend’ each day, and boy, does it run out quick! I mean, who knew a slice of pizza could take up such a huge chunk of my daily amount? And here’s the kicker — every damned calorie counts. Yes, even that small tootsie roll mini I snuck in last Night. I thought they were freebies. Spoiler alert: they weren’t, not even close.

But here’s the thing — calorie counting, while tedious, and frustrating when ordering in a restaurant, does work. It’s like having a financial advisor for your diet. It keeps you in check, stops you from making impulsive food choices (most of the time), and really opens your eyes to what you’re actually eating. Did you know a can of regular Coke or Pepsi can have up to 150 calories? That’s a tenth of my daily allotment, on a pseudo-silver platter — or in this case, a shiny can.

The Wardrobe Wins (and Woes)

With weight loss comes the undeniable joy of shopping for new clothes and the secret pleasure of seeing your old outfits hang loose, and go away to a charity. I recently bought some new pants, and let me tell you, it’s a feeling of victory that’s hard to describe. Zipping up those Dickies work pants without having to do the ‘lay on the bed and pray’ maneuver? Totally Priceless. But, three weeks later, I feel the need for a smaller size, yeah, money wasted, but feeling great about it!

But then there’s the flip side — baggy shirts. They flap around like sails on a boat. Sure, it’s a sign of real progress, but it also means more shopping, which is sort of brutal on the wallet. It’s a mix of excitement and annoyance, but mostly, it feels like moving forward, so I take it and enjoy it.

The Daily Grind

Every day is a battle with that monster of a calorie count. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and those treacherous snacks in between — every meal is a tactical life or death decision. And let me tell you, it requires a level of discipline that would make a monk nod in approval. I’ve had days where all I wanted was to dive into a big, greasy burger with all the fixings. But instead, I had to settle for a salad with dressing on the side — definitely not as thrilling. Being slightly diabetic makes it harder, staying away from sugar, and carbs when I can, which is most of the time, (but not all).

What keeps me going, though, is the results. Each pound lost is like a small victory in a much larger war. It’s a testament to the power of persistence and knowing that every little decision adds up. It’s not just about looking better; it’s about feeling better and knowing I’m taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

The Mental Marathon

It’s not just a physical challenge; it’s a mental one, too. Counting calories is as much about managing your mind as it is about managing your meals. It’s about saying no when you want to say yes and bury your face into a huge peach cobbler. It’s about pushing through the frustration when progress stalls — as it inevitably did, I told you all about it in the week #9 and #10. And let’s be honest, it’s about dealing with the grumpiness (anger) that sometimes comes from not eating what you want and how you want.

But every time I get tempted to give up, I remember why I started. I think about how far I’ve come, from 252 lbs. down to 225 lbs., and it gives me the boost I need to keep going. It’s about more than just weight; it’s about setting a goal and sticking to it, hell or high water!

Looking Ahead

So, what’s next? More calorie counting, more mindful eating, and yes, probably more baggy shirts. But also, more learning about what my body needs versus what it wants. It’s a learning curve, but it’s one I have to stick to. (Btw, pants and shirts aside, the big double-size beer belly is leaving at a trot, woo-hoo!)

To everyone out there on their own weight loss journeys, know this: it’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Every calorie counted, every temptation resisted, it adds up. Keep pushing, keep counting, and let’s keep cheering each other on.

Dean Benson, “The Dean Of Rock & Roll” SKY7music.com middays on the “Only Classic Rock Channel”. Also see more of my writing at: https://stan.store/DeanBensonRocks . Please check out my website for my day job, www.deanscarfamily.com